The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has felicitated with Christians all over the world, asking them to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ.

The Christmas message was given in his palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.The monarch, who stressed the need for Nigerians to love one another, said that lack of genuine love among citizens was the bane of our society and indeed the world. He emphasised the need for a love of Christ, which will eliminate all the vices and injustice pervading our society and man’s inhumanity to man across the world.

IN the same vein, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has again expressed the need for Nigerian leaders to show more sensitivity to the yearnings of the people for a better life.

The Prelate, who gave the admonition, yesterday, in his 2024 Christmas message to Nigerians, signed by the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, said that the need for a better environment for businesses to thrive to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the poverty in the land is more urgent than ever before.

He, however, emphasised the need for leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over and above private and parochial needs, particularly in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity plaguing the nation.

Martins also described as very sad and depressing, the recent loss of lives in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.

ALSO, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, yesterday, charged Nigerians to spread the love of God and be “beacons of light in the darkness that is gradually enveloping our nation.”

Oyejola, in his 2024 Christmas message, titled: “Christ our Light comes to us full of Truth and Grace,” urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to thank God for witnessing this year’s Christmas despite the nation’s extremely hard times.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us be reminded of the profound impact of this sacred event on human history, especially for our salvation. The birth of Jesus Christ, the eternally begotten Son of God, brings hope, joy and light into a world often shrouded in darkness, deceit, corruption and hypocrisy.

“In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, division, hunger, poverty, sickness, violence and criminal activities, the message of Christmas is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love for humanity. The birth of Jesus Christ declares that God is with us, loves us unconditionally, and desires to dwell among us if only we allow Him space in our societies, families and hearts.”